In 2024, the months of August, September, and October have all been celebrated for their supermoons, and the final one of the year, known as the Beaver Moon, is set to occur on November 15.
For those in Columbus, Ohio, the evening sky on this date will showcase this special full moon, which is the fourth supermoon of the year. This phenomenon marks a significant celestial event as these supermoons are particularly striking in their brightness and size.
On November 15, residents should prepare for mostly cloudy skies with a high temperature of 55°F and a low of 45°F, which could make viewing the Beaver Moon challenging. The moon will reach its peak illumination at 4:29 PM, and although the best views are usually during the evening, those interested in astronomy should still look towards the sky early in the afternoon.
Currently, the moon is in its waxing gibbous phase, nearly at full illumination, and has gone through several phases this month, including a new moon on November 1 and a first-quarter phase on November 9. Following the Beaver Moon, the lunar cycle will continue with a last quarter on November 22 before returning to a new moon on December 1.
A supermoon is defined as a full moon that occurs close to Earth in its orbit, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter. The nomenclature “Beaver Moon” is rooted in historical significance, as it references the time of year when beavers prepare for winter and the historical practices surrounding beaver trapping during the North American fur trade.
Additionally, November skies will offer more celestial spectacles, including the Leonids meteor shower peaking on November 17 and 18, providing about 10 to 15 meteors per hour post-midnight.
Looking ahead, the final full moon of 2024 will be the Cold Moon, set to peak on December 15.
It’s a time for both science enthusiasts and casual stargazers to witness the beauty of the universe, and despite challenging weather conditions, hope remains that the clouds may part for a spectacular view of the Beaver Moon. This reinforces the notion that even on cloudy days, there’s beauty to be found in the skies, fostering excitement for continued celestial events ahead.